Rebirth in Hong Kong: From Dessert Shop to Industrial Empire

Chapter 214 Professional (Seeking monthly votes, recommendations, and subscriptions!)
After a brief silence, Chen Bingwen spoke first: "Mr. MacLeish, time is precious, so I won't beat around the bush."

This invitation is offered in the hope that you will join Sugarheart Capital.

McLean nodded slightly, put down his teacup, and placed his hands on his knees: "Mr. Chen, the headhunter has conveyed your intentions."

I'm very interested in Sugar Heart Capital, but I also have some questions.

"please say."

"Sugarheart Capital, or Chenji Foods, started in the beverage and food industry and has been making frequent moves in the capital market recently."

With a controlling stake in Qingzhou Yingni, a shareholding in Hutchison Whampoa, and an expansion into the North American market, frankly speaking, what are the connections between these businesses and what is the core of their future strategy?
It looks a bit scattered.

From the moment he opened his mouth, McLeish demonstrated the professionalism and competence of a professional, getting straight to the heart of the matter.

Chen Bingwen smiled inwardly. Sure enough, the perspective was different depending on one's position.

"The connection lies in cash flow and capital platform."

Since he wanted to recruit Mellis, Chen Bingwen didn't hide anything and was very frank: "Chen's Food and Watsons Retail are the cornerstone of cash flow, providing stable profits and the ability to inject capital."

Qingzhou Yingni serves as a listed shell platform and a carrier of real estate value, and will be used for asset securitization and capital operations in the future.

As for Hutchison Whampoa, it's a future target.

He paused, looking into MacLehose's eyes: "Our core strategy is very clear: to build a comprehensive conglomerate based in Hong Kong Island and radiating globally, with consumer business as the foundation and real estate and capital operations as the wings."

“A conglomerate?” Mirris’s eyes flickered. “It’s a big target.”

Does Mr. Chan believe that there is still room for new conglomerates to emerge in Hong Kong today?
The four major foreign trading companies had deep roots, and Chinese-owned firms such as Y.K. Pao and Li Ka-shing had also begun to emerge.

"It is precisely because the overall situation is still uncertain that there is room for growth."

Chen Bingwen said with great certainty, "Foreign firms have their advantages, but they also have their rigidity and burdens."

Chinese capital is dynamic, but most have not yet completed the transformation to international and modern capital operations.

This is the opportunity.

At this point, he emphasized slightly: "The advantage of Sugar Heart Capital is that we have no historical baggage, a short decision-making chain, and the courage to take risks. More importantly, we have a long-term vision."

"Oh? How far?" Maris asked with great interest.

"For example, I am optimistic about the huge market potential brought about by the reform and opening up in mainland China. In the next ten or twenty years, the growth there will be exponential."

For example, I believe that industries such as energy, infrastructure, and communications will occupy an increasingly important position in the future global landscape.

Chen Bingwen mentioned several promising blue ocean markets for the future, but he didn't go into too much detail, leaving room for interpretation.

McLeish nodded thoughtfully: "A very grand perspective."

So, what role does Mr. Chen hope I will play, if I am fortunate enough to be accepted?

"Director of International Affairs. Reports directly to me."

Chen Bingwen said without hesitation, “I am mainly responsible for several things: First, building and improving the group’s international financial model and capital operation system;
Second, connect with international financial institutions and investors to broaden financing channels and reduce funding costs;
Third, seek and evaluate overseas investment and M&A opportunities, especially energy, infrastructure or utility projects that are strategically aligned with the Group;

Fourth, assist in establishing a corporate governance structure that conforms to international standards.

This job description carries great power and responsibility, covering almost all the core aspects of the group's future international expansion.

Maris was silent for a moment, clearly processing the weight of this position.

"What about permissions and resources?" he asked a very practical question.

“Except for major strategic investments that require my final approval, you can handle all decisions regarding daily operations and matters within your authorized scope.” Chen Bingwen granted you a great deal of autonomy. “In terms of resources, I can give you a limit of 50 million to 100 million Hong Kong dollars in the early stages to help you build a team and launch projects.”

More can be applied for as needed for the project.

We will establish an overseas investment fund, which you will lead.

The terms offered by Chen Bingwen were quite generous, even exceeding some of MacLehose's expectations.

He originally thought that the other party would have him start with a specific project.

"Mr. Chen, isn't it a bit risky to entrust such an important position and authority to someone you've only just met?"

Mai Lisi looked at Chen Bingwen, somewhat incredulous.

Chen Bingwen smiled and said, "I have seen your resume and studied your case at Tiger Leopard Company."

I trust my judgment.

Moreover, for me, the risk of hiring people is far less than the risk of missing out on talent.

What we need is speed and time.

Michael had to admit that the young boss's boldness and vision were indeed extraordinary.

He pondered for a moment before asking the last, and perhaps most crucial, question: "Mr. Chen, what are your expectations for the future of Sugar Heart Capital?"
Or, to put it another way, what kind of company do you ultimately hope it will become?

Chen Bingwen knew that this was a question that would determine success or failure.

He looked firmly at McLeish: "I hope it's more than just a money-making company."

I hope it can become a bridge connecting Eastern and Western capital and markets, participate in the development and transformation of some key industries in the future, and establish a sustainable, responsible, and influential business ecosystem.

Simply put, I'm not content with just being a successful businessman; I want to build a business empire that can weather economic cycles and create long-term value.

He paused for a moment, then said solemnly, "This requires top-notch strategic planning and capital operation capabilities. Mr. MacLehose, I believe you are the only person who can help me achieve this goal."

What's offered here is more than just a job; it's an opportunity to participate in and shape the future.

Silence fell in the room once again.

As McLeish picked up his teacup and slowly savored it, his mind raced through everything Chen Bingwen had just said.

Chen Bingwen's words undoubtedly had a strong appeal.

The platform, permissions, resources, and vision almost perfectly fulfill all the fantasies of a top professional manager about their ideal job.

In particular, the idea of ​​"participating in and shaping the future" struck a chord with his deepest aspirations.

In comparison, the other opportunities he has been exposed to so far seem somewhat routine and lack passion.

A few minutes later, McLeish raised his head and showed the first noticeable smile of the day. He stood up and extended his hand to Chen Bingwen: "Mr. Chen, your foresight and sincerity have moved me."

I accept your invitation.

Chen Bingwen felt a weight lifted from his heart.

He gripped Mr. McLeish's hand firmly: "Welcome to the team, Mr. McLeish."

I believe this is a significant turning point for Sugarheart Capital, and for both of us.

“Just call me George,” Mireille said. “I also believe it will be a challenging but exciting journey.”

With the initial agreement reached, the atmosphere of the subsequent conversation became much more relaxed.

The two sat down again and began to discuss some specific details.

"George, how long do you expect it will take to get to work?" Chen Bingwen asked.

He knew that Murray might still have a position to hold and would need time to process it.

“I need to hand over my work at Hawthorn and Jaguar, which will take about four weeks,” McLeish estimated. “In addition, my family is currently in Singapore, and it will also take some time to arrange for them to relocate to Hong Kong.”

At the earliest, I could officially start work in mid-September.

“Sure. Your salary will be calculated starting today,” Chen Bingwen said readily. “If you need any assistance from the company, such as housing or your child’s school enrollment, just tell my secretary, Ali, and she will do her best to cooperate.”

“Thank you, Mr. Chen.” Mary switched to a more intimate form of address. “So, before I start working here, are there any things I should pay attention to or prepare in advance?”

This initiative and professionalism of Michael McLeish is undoubtedly the key to his rise from a Cambridge graduate to the position of president of Hawthorn & Leopard.

Chen Bingwen secretly praised him and nodded, saying, "There are a few things you can start thinking about and researching first."

"First, we need to familiarize ourselves with the detailed financial situation of Sugar Heart Capital, Chen Ji Food, Qingzhou Yingni, and our holdings in Hutchison Whampoa as soon as possible."

I will have Director Fang Wenshan provide you with the relevant information.

You need to design an efficient internal cash management and cross-border cash flow optimization solution for us.

Chen Ji Foods now sells its products in North America, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and other places. The settlement funds are in US dollars, Japanese yen, Hong Kong dollars, Singapore dollars and so on. If the funds are not managed well and cross-border funds are not optimized, the exchange rate problem alone will be enough to cause serious problems.

“Understood. Capital efficiency is the foundation of expansion.” Murray noted it down.

"Second, we need to examine Hutchison Whampoa's current debt structure and major creditor syndicates."

If we wish to further increase our holdings or even take more significant actions in the future, we need to assess their financial capacity and potential refinancing capabilities.

Chen Bingwen's words were very suggestive, and Mai Lisi immediately understood and nodded in agreement.

“Third,” Chen Bingwen continued, “is the immediate issue.”

We have just acquired a controlling stake in Qingzhou Yingni and are currently driving its transformation.

The Hong Kong government has approved the application for rezoning of the Hung Hom site in principle, but a large land premium needs to be paid.

Besides our own funds, I hope you can find ways to optimize our cash flow through project financing or by bringing in strategic investors.

After a moment's thought, McLeish replied, "I can tackle this problem immediately."

The key to project financing is to show banks the project's future cash flow and the value of the collateral.

If the plan is well-developed, it is possible to persuade the bank to provide most of the funding.

Perhaps a 'build-operate-transfer' or similar financing structure could be designed to attract financial investors interested in real estate projects.

"You draft the specific plan," Chen Bingwen authorized. "Just tell me which bank you need to talk to and what kind of support you need."

"Understood." The two then exchanged opinions on specific matters such as team formation and office location.

The talks lasted for nearly two hours, and both sides were satisfied with the outcome of the meeting at the end.

After seeing Michael off, Chen Bingwen stood by the window and let out a long sigh of relief.

Acquiring Maclean's is of great significance.

This means that he not only has a top-notch international capital operation expert, but also has taken the lead in seizing a crucial "piece" in the future competition with Li Jiacheng.

As a result, Li Ka-shing's loss of Michael McLeish, a key figure in the future, will inevitably have a significant impact on his internationalization process and the sophistication of his capital operations.

With the addition of Michael, their own side is even stronger.

(End of this chapter)